Tech

Apple sends out invites to October event

For MacBook users, it'll probably be a pleasant surprise, since Apple just sent invitations to an event on Oct. 27. Although, per usual, the invites didn't specify what the company has planned, all rumors point to a refresh of most of Apple's MacBook computers.

While that's not much to go on, there have been reports, from multiple sources, that Apple is set to announce a whole lot of new Mac computers; new versions of the MacBook Pro, iMac and Mac Pro all look likely. Additionally, the MacBook Air — Apple's entry-level laptop — may be revamped or phased out entirely. Even absent the reports, most of Apple's Macs are in dire need of a refresh, with some models not getting so much as a processor upgrade in years. (The only exception is the ultra-thin MacBook, which was upgraded in the spring.)

The most exciting rumor is that the new MacBook Pro could see a big design change: The row of function keys might be replaced with an OLED touch pad. The function and iconography on those keys could then presumably change depending on the active app; it would also be customizable.

At the same time, Apple's whole line will certainly get a processor upgrade. The new Macs could even be some of the first computers to come with Intel's seventh-generation Core processors (AKA Kaby Lake), though we'll at least see a jump to sixth-gen Core chips (Skylake).

And what else will be on deck? We may get the first official data (or at least hints) of how well the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are selling, as well as iOS adoption. The iPhone 7 Plus may finally get Portrait mode in an update to iOS 10. And there's a chance the iPad Air 2 (now two years old) could get an incremental refresh.

No matter what happens, Mashable will be live on the scene, covering all the news as it happens.

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